Review: The Replaced by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Replaced

Author: Kimberly Dertin

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: 4.28.2015

Pages: 368

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Romance

Series: The Taking #2

Source: ARC from publisher

Rating: 3 ½ Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Kyra hasn't been the same since she returned from her mysterious five-year disappearance. Now, on the run from the NSA, Kyra is forced to hide out with others who, like her, have been Returned. Yet she is determined to find Tyler, the boy she loves who was also abducted—all because of her. When her group intercepts a message that Tyler might still be alive but is in the hands of a shadowy government organization that experiments on the Returned, Kyra knows it's a risk to go after him. What if it's a trap? And worse, what if the returned Tyler isn't the same boy she lost? 

Perfect for fans of The Fifth Wave and the Body Finder series, The Replaced is both chilling and explosive, with creepy, otherworldly elements and twisty, psychological thrills that will have you questioning what exactly it means to be human. 

Review:

After the heart-stopping ending of THE TAKING, I was desperate for more. More Kyra, more Tyler, more alien crazy, more EVERYTHING. But I have to admit, I'm a little let down by this book.

Let's start with what I loved: I loved Kyra in this book (OK, she makes a few bonehead mistakes, but she's a teenager who was abducted by aliens and Returned 5 years later - cut her a break). She's a fantastic narrator and Kimberly Derting writes her in a way that you cannot help but root for her.

The entire Replaced element ... I loved it. It is a total game changer, and that is all I'll say without spoiling you. But trust me - it's EPIC.

My biggest let down: The romance. I'm not going to get into specifics but a couple of things happened here that made me wonder why Tyler and Kyra ever got together in book 1. Because what happens here? Total 180. It's not a BAD decision, mind you. I enjoyed the romance, but it made the romance in book 1 fell invalidated, and since so much of Kyra and Tyler’s relationship played a part in THE TAKING, it kind of made the book feel like a waste of time.

Confused yet? Good. So am I - and I read the book.

I will read the last book because I'm curious to see how it ends, but I do fell a little let down and my expectations for the ending are now more of a mild curiosity than a burning desire to dive back in.

Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: 2.10.2015

Pages: 400

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, SciFi

Series: Red Queen #1

Source: ARC from NYCC

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood--those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard--a growing Red rebellion--even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.

Review:

It's not a secret that RED QUEEN is this year's Divergent. It seems like it's all anyone is really talking about, which made me a little hesitant to start it because sometimes when I book is hyped A LOT, I just don't get it or it falls flat or something goes wrong, but this book ... Oh, wow, this book. It's everything they say and more.

As soon as I finished this book, I immediately started texting/tweeting/messaging people to read it because it is THAT good. I was that excited to tell the world about it.

In her debut novel, Victoria Aveyard launches herself into the YA fray and starts kicking ass and taking names. This book reads like something from a seasoned pro with tight plots and compelling characters and world building skills to make George RR Martin sit up and take notice.

I absolutely loved Mare. I loved her quirks and problems, her pigheadedness and convictions. She is one of the strongest female heroines I've meet in a long while. If I had to pick Katniss, Tris or Mare as an ally in any fight, I'm going Mare all the way.

Mare is flanked by the dual hotness of princes - Cal and Maven are two sides of the same coin, but driven by different motives and affecting Mare in different ways. I spent the bulk of the book wondering who I liked more and loving them both equally.

You want this book. I daresay you NEED this book. I love saying that I knew Bella before she was famous. I hung out with Katniss before the rest of the world. And Tris? We go way back. I can't wait to be standing in line for the RED QUEEN movie premiere and telling people that I've known Mare since the beginning.

Buy: Red Queen

Review: Polaris by Mindee Arnett

Title: Polaris

Author: Mindee Arnett

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: 1.20.2015

Pages: 432

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi

Series: Avalon #2

Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Following the events of Avalon, Jeth Seagrave and his crew are on the run. Jeth is desperate to find the resources and funding he needs to rescue his mother from an ITA’s research lab and leave this whole galaxy behind for a new life somewhere else. But the ITA is just as desperate, and soon Jeth finds himself pursued by a mysterious figure hell-bent on capturing Jeth and his crew—dead or alive. In a last-ditch effort to save everyone he holds dear, Jeth enters into a bargain with the last person he ever thought he'd see again: Dax Shepherd, the galaxy’s newest and most fearsome crime lord. And he’s not the only one: upon arriving back at Peltraz spaceport for the first time since he witnessed the death of his old employer, Jeth discovers Dax has a new partner: Jeth’s mother, Marian.

This shocking turn of events is only the first in another breathless, action-packed sci-fi adventure rife with danger, love, and betrayal, as Jeth has to once again ask himself how much he’s willing to invest in a morally bankrupt galaxy in the hopes of saving those he cares for. 

Review:

JETH! JETH! JETH!

Chant with me now!

Last year's AVALON was a massive hit for me. Mindee Arnett absolutely blew me away, so I was more than a little excited about POLARIS and the conclusion to our merry band of misfits.

It's hard to say too much without touching on spoilers because everything that happened in POLARIS feels like a spoiler. From the fate of Avalon (the ship) to the crew (still sobbing, here!) to the final showdown with the Confederation, so much will be spoilery.

So here's what I can say: This book is AVALON but more. More action, more romance, more suspense. With the added threat of assassins and surprise twists, POLARIS is a stunning conclusion to a fantastic duology.

While I am sad to say goodbye to this 'verse, I applaud Arnett for such a spectacular and solid ending. I felt very satisfied by the end.

Buy: Polaris by Mindee Arnett

Review: Zodiac by Romina Russell

Title: Zodiac

Author: Romina Russell

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication Date: 12.9.2014

Pages: 336

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy

Series: Zodiac #1

Source: ARC from BEA
Website: http://zodiacbooks.com/

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.

When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.

Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.

But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

Review:

I was hoping to love this book just by the cover and the little bit of info in the back. I haven't read anything about the Zodiac before so I was hoping for equally awesome and different.

The world building here is just stunning. Each sign is its own world complete with moons and ecosystem or lack there of. All are in theZodiac which would be the equivalent of a galaxy. They all have seperate but similar governing rulers and advisors. They all have their own contributing factor to their world and Galaxy. It's all so intertwined that I can't believe it's all spread out and not on one world. Definitely a beautiful imaginative world that I would love to go to, when there isn't a galactic threat.

Rho's story didn't stop since page one. There is an energy in this book that just gets you going. Rho gets no reprieve. Everything gets thrown on her at once and she can do nothing but move forward. I love her self reflection moments. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be her, with all of that responsibility and people looking to me to save them.

I love the mystery of Mathias and Hysan. They are like air; ever present and supportive but could be deadly with what they hold or their absence. There is something about about them that makes you hold your breathe around them. They both have this vibe of quite, distant, secretive, and mysterious. I am still left questioning if there are ulterior motives. But in a good way. It leaves you wondering, needing more.

This was a fast paced book. I loved that. Action and emotions on every page. At one point I didn't think there would be anymore. That this was a single book. I am SO glad there will be more. There is an element of surprise at the end that leaves room for so much more and I can't wait for the next one.

Buy: Zodiac by Romina Russell

Review: Rebel by Amy Tintera

Title: Rebel

Author: Amy Tintera

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: 5.13.2014

Pages: 340

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi

Series: Reboot #2

Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: 3 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.

Review:

Last year, Amy Tintera’s Reboot was one of my favorite debuts. What I especially loved about the series was that it was a duology. For some reason my psyche can handle a duology better than a trilogy or series, so I jumped at the chance to read this when it popped up on Edelweiss. I had been waiting a year for REBEL, but I think I lost some of the magic somewhere along the way.

REBEL picks up right where Reboot left off. Hardly any time has passed, for which I was grateful. Wren, Callum, and crew arrive at the reservation and you immediately get a hinky feeling. Something definitely wasn’t right. Think when the Walking Dead crew showed up in Woodbury.

You knew this Utopia was going to implode. But for some reason, this book plateaued around 45%. It just stalled and I wound up setting it down and not returning to it for several weeks. The drive and passion that kept my attention in Reboot was simply gone.

I finally forced myself to finish and I’m glad I did—the series has a great conclusion and the action/speed did pick back up. If it weren’t for that massive lull in the middle, this would be a solid 4-5 star rating.  But it’s still a satisfying conclusion to a great debut.

Review: The Taking by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Taking

Author: Kimberly Derting

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: 4.29.2014

Pages: 368

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi

Series: The Taking #1

Source: ARC from ALA MW

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day. 

Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men. 

Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

Review:

Things I need in my life:

1. Sleep

2. Chocolate

3. Kimberly Derting books

OK, maybe not in that order, but you get what I’m saying.

I’ve been a fan of Derting’s for years, and I still say tell people to this day that my favorite YA romance ever – my #1 couple – is Jay and Violet from The Body Finder series. They may have a little competition with Kyra and Tyler now, though, because I thoroughly loved THE TAKING.

I’m kind of intrigued with this waking up and missing time idea. I wasn’t sure how I would enjoy it until reading it through Kyra’s eyes, and Derting does a fabulous job of walking the reader through Kyra’s confusion while still keep a witty edge to counter all the heavy emotions.

I do feel like the end was a bit rushed, and I’m hoping (expecting?) a lot of my questions will be answered in the next book.  I cannot wait for the rest of this series, and if you aren’t familiar with Derting’s work, jump on board now.

Review: Rebel Nation by Shaunta Grimes

Title: Rebel Nation

Author: Shaunta Grimes

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Publication Date: 7.1.2014

Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi

Series: Viral Nation #2

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Sixteen years ago, a plague wiped out nearly all of humanity. The Company’s vaccine stopped the virus’s spread, but society was irrevocably changed. Those remaining live behind impenetrable city walls, taking daily doses of virus suppressant and relying on The Company for continued protection. They don’t realize that everything they’ve been told is a lie…

Clover Donovan didn’t set out to start a revolution—quiet, autistic, and brilliant, she’s always followed the rules. But that was before they forced her into service for the Time Mariners. Before they condemned her brother to death, compelling him to flee the city to survive. Before she discovered terrifying secrets about The Company.

Clover and the Freaks, her ragtag resistance group, are doing their best to spread the rebellion and stay under The Company’s radar. But when their hideout is discovered, they are forced, once again, to run. Only this time, The Company has special plans for Clover, plans that could risk her life and stop the uprising in its tracks…

Review:

Shaunta Grimes has definitely delivered with this second book. Clover has captured my attention yet again.

I love how this book is thought out and not rushed. Everything is well planned in it. Starting and carrying through a rebellion takes work and lots of forethought. I don't think there was one thing that I thought of that the characters didn't in their planning.  And I think that's important here. You can't just wake up and overthrow anything. It's quite a delicate procedure and you get a beautiful understanding of that in this book. Some people might think it's a bit drawn out but here isn't not going to make you stop reading. It made me want to continue reading just to find out what happens.

Clover. She has yet again captured my attention. To see her grow in this book was amazing. She pushes herself, even to her own limits, to get done what is needed. Her mind is an extraordinary thing in itself and I imagine Grimes has had experience or done her research quite well. With her autism she makes this book. I don't think anyone els could have done this.

The uncertainty of everything is like a weight you can actually feel. Right along with the urgency of needing to flee and stay. The rush of help is so welcoming, and unexpected, I took a sigh of relief with West and Leanne as they came into view.

A book has to be one helluva book for me to be excited about a fictional rebellion. I cannot wait for the next one. I have to find out what happens to Clover once she leaves to try and save everyone else. I have to know what happens to the Freaks!

Review: Viral Nation by Shaunta Grimes

Title: Viral Nation

Author: Shaunta Grimes

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Publication Date: 7.2.2013

Pages: 315

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi

Series: Viral Nation #1

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

After a virus claimed nearly the entire global population, the world changed. The United States splintered into fifty walled cities where the surviving citizens clustered to start over. The Company, which ended the plague by bringing a life-saving vaccine back from the future, controls everything. They ration the scant food and supplies through a lottery system, mandate daily doses of virus suppressant, and even monitor future timelines to stop crimes before they can be committed.

Brilliant but autistic, sixteen-year-old Clover Donovan has always dreamed of studying at the Waverly-Stead Academy. Her brother and caretaker, West, has done everything in his power to make her dream a reality. But Clover’s refusal to part with her beloved service dog denies her entry into the school. Instead, she is drafted into the Time Mariners, a team of Company operatives who travel through time to gather news about the future.

When one of Clover’s missions reveals that West’s life is in danger, the Donovans are shattered. To change West’s fate, they’ll have to take on the mysterious Company. But as its secrets are revealed, they realize that the Company’s rule may not be as benevolent as it seems. In saving her brother, Clover will face a more powerful force than she ever imagined… and will team up with a band of fellow misfits and outsiders to incite a revolution that will change their destinies forever.

Review:

How doesn't love an end of the world book that's perfectly plausible? Something as simple as a virus could be the near end of life as we know it. And then add in a bit if time travel and you have an awesome set up for possible survival and knowledge of the future.

Viral Nation was outstanding. It full of adventure and mystery that leave to guessing until you turn the page. The characters have some depth that you only learn more about as their journey continues. Clover, West, and Jude are the center of this story and you follow right along with them.

I loved how much detail Grimes went into with the layout and description of the walled city. It gave a perspective point for different events and I thought that was important. Not only was the description of the city on point, the suppressant, clothing, identity traits and even the Veronica were all detailed enough that I wasn't just thinking about a person where clothes or a general vaccine.

Honestly, what I honk made this story was Clover. She is an amazing girl who has learned how to deal with herself and not let to get the best of her. Even though she depends on her brother a lot, she takes pride in herself for being able to do somethings on her own. Her dog Mango, a service dog, adds his own importance to her and this the story. He is just as important as she is. Clover has Autism. And her quirks and analytical thinking about everything, sometimes more than necessary, adds to this more then you can imagine. Her mind and how she works makes this story. And I loved it.

I cannot wait for Rebel Nation. I have to have more of Clover and her amazing self.  This was full of adventure, some love, a little heart break and a yearning for more that I can't quite explain.

Review: Renegade by Debra Driza

Title: Renegade

Author: Debra Driza

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Publication Date: 5.13.2014

Pages: 448

Genre: Young Adult, SciFi

Series: Mila 2.0 #2

Source: ARC from ALA MW

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

There is no one left for Mila to trust. Except for a boy she barely knows.

But Hunter has no idea who—and what—Mila really is. She can’t bear to reveal her secret, even though he’s unwittingly joined her search for Richard Grady, a man who may know more details of Mila’s complicated past.

Yet the road to the truth is more dangerous than ever. With General Holland and the Vita Obscura scouring the earth for her whereabouts, Mila must rely on her newfound android abilities to protect herself and Hunter from imminent harm. Still, embracing her identity as a machine leads her to question the state of her humanity—as well as Hunter’s real motives.

Review:

Debra blew me away with the first Mila and I could only imagine how awesome the second would be. She did not disappoint!

Mila is still by far my favorite girl. After finding out your not human and your life this far has been lies, you tend to not trust anyone.  I love being with her through her journey to find herself. She is strong and brilliant. At the same time she is naïve and falls into the teenage heart. She is slow to trust and it almost cost her her life. Debra gives you so much of Mila that I could certainly see us being friends. She has so much depth in personality and insight into her mind that you begin to think like her. I caught myself a few times telling her what to do with her abilities before she actually did them.

There is so much adventure. It's a constant roller coaster once she meets up with Hunter. There are sparks of hope, love, betrayal and friendship. You are constantly on your toes and hold your breath just make yourself feel better. I couldn't put this down.

This had to be the best worst ending I have ever read. Talk about a major cliff hanger!!!  It was like oh shit and oh no all at once at the same time. I cannot wait for the next Mila. And I know I will love it just as much as this one.

 Buy: Amazon

Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cress

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date: 2.4.2014

Pages: 550

Genre: SciFi, Young Adult, Dystopian

Series: Lunar Chronicles #3

Source: ARC from publisher

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

Review:

I was so excited when I heard Cress was coming out and just had to read it knowing it would be, as Hannah always says "amazeballs".  Then I started seeing all the hype on social media about #savecress and I was like who is that and why do they need saving? I get it now!

Again with the childhood stories made badass. I knew as soon as I started which this one would be. It would be hard not to. And this version is one I will be telling my kids. Well the entire series really.

Cress seems like the sweetest girl who is only trying to do right. Even if she knows it isn't but can do nothing about it as her life depends on it. Like every girl she day dreams about a different life and a handsome hero coming to rescue her. I could only imagine what it would be like to actually meet him one day. And be totally out of the social loop that you have no idea how to act. That was so historical my fiancée thought I was dying from laughing so hard. Even just trying to imagine that situation made me laugh harder. She seems so innocent and really understand all the hype on Facebook and twitter now.

There were a lot of little twists that had me gasping. And I just couldn't put it down. I have come to love the "crew" and know you would as well. I want to rave about this book so much more but I am afraid of spoiling it. If you read Cinder and Scarlet, then you know how amazing and captivating this will be.

Marissa is one amazing author and I can only imagine what went into this book. Sadly, Winter doesn't come out for a while. I will go crazy waiting!

 Buy: Amazon

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Publication Date: 2.5.2013

Pages: 454

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, SciFi

Series: Lunar Chronicles #2

Source: Purchased finished copy

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Review:

Little Red Riding Hood was always a childhood favorite. And now I have an even better version!  That was the first thing that came to mind after reading this. Just like Cinderella came to mind with Cinder.

I love how Marissa took that childhood story and made into something so much more and personally way better. Scarlet has so much character and spark I wish i could meet her. I think we would get along really well. With not knowing who she was at first, I was so intrigued by her that I had to keep reading. She is so determined and goes after what she believes in with all her heart. She isn't afraid to do anything even if means risking herself to save ones she loves. She is very inspirational.

One of my favorite characters was Wolf. He was so mysterious. Giving little bits of his life at a time, giving you a minute to think he was really the bad guy. I loved him, how could you not?!

I could sit her and list thousands of things about this book that were amazing.  I was always gasping and going "oh no" or "no way" throughout this whole book. You think you know what's going to happen and BAM, just kidding totally not what happens.  It would be hard not to love a badass version of Little Red Riding Hood. How could you not love that? Marissa definitely didn't disappoint in this second book. I will be rereading this series over and over.

 

Buy: Amazon

Review: Archetype by M.D. Waters

Title: Archetype

Author: M.D. Waters

Publisher: Dutton Adult

Publication Date: 2.6.2014

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult, Dystopian, SciFi, Romance, Mystery

Series: Archetype #1

Source: ARC from author

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Emma wakes in a hospital, with no memory of what came before. Her husband, Declan, a powerful, seductive man, provides her with new memories, but her dreams contradict his stories, showing her a past life she can’t believe possible: memories of war, of a camp where girls are trained to be wives, of love for another man. Something inside her tells her not to speak of this, but she does not know why. She only knows she is at war with herself.

Suppressing those dreams during daylight hours, Emma lets Declan mold her into a happily married woman and begins to fall in love with him. But the day Noah stands before her, the line between her reality and dreams shatters.

In a future where women are a rare commodity, Emma fights for freedom but is held captive by the love of two men—one her husband, the other her worst enemy. If only she could remember which is which. . . .

Review:

This is one of those reviews that is so frustrating to write because all I can really say is, “OMG! Buy and read this book immediately …. But I can’t tell you why.” In one of the best debuts I’ve seen in years, M.D. Waters has drafted such a complex, layered world that peeling one single layer back could potentially expose the entire story. And I refuse to deny readers of that, “Holy sh*t” moment that comes while reading ARCHETYPE.

Emma is a complex girl with a lot of issues, the least of which being she wakes up with no memory to a gorgeous man standing over her saying he’s her husband. Never mind the voice that keeps whispering in her head and the dreams she has of another man. Emma has a lot to deal with, and you can’t help but cheer and root for her as a reader.

Mystery lovers will be thrilled over the twists and turns, romance lovers will swoon over multiple scenes, and scifi lovers will be in heaven. Waters is a powerhouse writer with a bright career ahead of herself. Thankfully the sequel, PROTOTYPE, will be out later this year! I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on it!

Again, sorry for the brief review, but spilling one small secret could unravel all the others. Trust me when I say you need to read this one as soon as you can get your hands on it!

Buy: Amazon

Review: Avalon by Mindee Arnett

Title: Avalon

Author: Mindee Arnett

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: 1.21.2014

Pages: 432

Genre: SciFi, Dystopian

Series: Avalon #1

Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

A ragtag group of teenage mercenaries who crew the spaceship Avalon stumble upon a conspiracy that could threaten the entire galaxy in this fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi adventure from author Mindee Arnett.

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

Avalon is the perfect fit for teens new to sci-fi as well as seasoned sci-fi readers looking for more books in the YA space-and a great match for fans of Joss Whedon's cult hit show Firefly.

Review:

What’s a stronger word than love? Because whatever word is beyond love is the way to sum up all my thoughts of AVALON. Mindee Arnett, where have you been all of my days? And how did I survive without this story in my world and on my shelf?

I am the first to admit I’m not a huge SciFi fan. OK, truth? Spaceships and such make me feel like an idiot. I don’t get the quantum mechanical-whatever. Hyperdrive is what happens when I have too much sugar. I failed science, people, so I typically avoid science fiction novels because who likes to feel dumb? But Arnett has such an amazing gift for storytelling, I got it. I was in her world. I understood the way things worked and didn’t have to pull out my science text book (good thing since it’s propping up part of my bed).

It takes a lot to sell me on a male narrator. Especially when written by a female. I’m sorry, but it’s true. I often find guy’s acting totally girly or being overly emotional (no, I am not female bashing, we girls just have a different mindset), but that was never an issue here with Jeth. From the start I bought him. I loved him as a storyteller. He has snark and wit and balls. A fabulous combination when wielded appropriately—which Arnett does.

If you follow me on twitter, you’ve likely seen me pimping this book out to everyone. Yes, this book has some similarities to a show called Firefly that I may be obsessed with, but those little parallels only made me love every word of AVLON all the more. This book has it all—action, drama, romance, mystery … Can I have book 2 yet?

Buy: Amazon

Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Title: All Our Yesterdays

Author: Cristin Terrill

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Publication Date: 9.3.2013

Pages: 368

Genre: Time travel

Series: All Our Yesterdays #1

Source: ARC from publisher

Rating: A+

Summary (from Goodreads):

"You have to kill him." Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside. 

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was. 

Review:

Hello, Cristin Terrill, meet the World. World, meet Cristin Terrill. The author you're going to be hearing about for the next decade.

There was a lot of hype surrounding this book going in BEA this past year. I felt like everyone was buzzing about this book and this author, to the point where I was almost over it before it began. Usually books that are mega-hyped fall short for me. I did manage to snag a copy, but it wasn't something I had to read until a good friend (Andye) not so-subtly ordered me via twitter to read this book when I went on vacation.

I should just let her order me around in all my reading because holy crapballs was this book amazing!

Honestly, I got about a third of the way into this book and realized, "Oh, God, I figured out the big surprise." When you get there, you'll see what I mean. I was kinda bummed, thinking the book would be all downhill from there but that was just where the story picked up.

Terrill is a freaking genius. The way she seamlessly blended world and intertwined the lives of Em, Marina, Finn and James still boggles my mind. I'm not a big Sci-Fi fan (admittedly, Sci-Fi is frequently too smart for me and I'm reminded of the numerous 'Fs' I got throughout school), but Terrill effortlessly explains her world in a way that is breathtakingly magical. I loved every single word on every single page.

I have no clue where the series will go from here, but I will happily and joyfully take this ride, and any other, that Terrill wants to throw at me. Everyone needs to read this book now.

Now.

No, seriously. Go get it.

Buy: Amazon

Review: The 100 by Kass Morgan

Title: The 100

Author: Kass Morgan

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 9.3.2013

Pages: 277

Genre: SciFi

Series: The 100 #1

Source: ARC from BEA

Rating: A+

Summary (from Goodreads):

In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

Review:

Can you guys just give me a moment to cuddle this book and revel in the awesome Kass Morgan created? Seriously. Gimme a sec.

OK. Now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you why I absolutely adored The 100.

There’s been a bit of rumbling and grumbling about the fact that there are a lot of POVs in this book. Four, actually. And this book takes place on Earth and in space. I honestly found these to be huge strengths. I loved hearing about what was happening from Clarke and Wells and Bellamy and Glass—it gave me an all-encompassing feel of what was happening. I didn’t feel like I was scrambling around in the dark.

Clarke was definitely my favorite. She has this strength, but also this vulnerability that makes her completely reliable and loveable as a narrator. She has a very complex relationship with Wells that we learn about via flashbacks. I am seriously rooting for these two long-term in the series.

We also have Bellamy down on Earth who was never part of the 100 originally slated to go to Earth—he jumped on the ship to protect his little sister who was being exiled. Yeah. Feel free to start swooning, ladies.

Glass meanwhile is back on the ship, which gives us a much-needed insight into what is happening to those not fighting for survival on Earth. I have a feeling her role is going to be crucial later on in this series.

It’s not hard to guess why The CW snapped this show up so fast (it will air next  Spring). If the TV show is half as good as the book, I will be an insanely happy girl. I cannot wait for more of Morgan’s series. It moves fast and is a quick read, not bogged down in a ton of jargon and terminology that usually makes me head hurt in SciFi. Definitely one everyone needs to read!

Buy: Amazon